Ministers say working to expand financial support to spouses, children of those who fall serving in security forces

Defense Minister Israel Katz and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich agree on a series of amendments to legislation they will work to move through the Knesset in order to expand support for widows, widowers and children of those who fell serving in the IDF and security services, the two ministers say in a joint statement.

Those who lost one parent will receive monthly grants of NIS 3,465 ($971.50) from the age of 21 until 30, and for the next ten years will receive NIS 2,000 per month ($560).

Those who have lost both parents will receive a monthly grant of NIS 8,787 ($2,450) until they reach 30. The grant is currently given only to those under 25.

When over the age of 30, they will also be eligible for other grants totaling up to NIS 50,000 ($14,000), and those under the age of 18 will receive a NIS 50,000 budget for a personal support program.

The grant for reaching the age of 30, getting married, or buying a house will be increased from NIS 170,752 ($47,800) to NIS 300,000 ($84,000).

Employment assistance and educational grants will be available until the age of 60.

Widows or widowers will also receive expanded benefits, including continued entitlement to their loved one’s pension even after remarrying. They will receive an additional grant equal to the average wage in the economy for the first three months after their spouse’s death and will also receive coverage for caregiver expenses, increased housing assistance, and an additional NIS 1,641 ($46) for those without an income.

“This is about correcting historical injustices,” says Katz, “and a move that will bring about significant improvement in the conditions and rights of orphans and widows, through increased payments, new grants, cancellation of offsets and broader recognition of the unique needs of bereaved families.”

“We are providing a broad and comprehensive package, with monthly benefits, housing grants and personal support, to ensure a better future for those who paid a heavy price for the security of the country,” says Smotrich.

The amendments consist of recommendations submitted by the committee headed by Judge Elyakim Rubinstein that examined how to better support adult orphans, and by the staff of both ministries that decided to offer benefits beyond the Rubinstein committee’s suggestions.